Sally Gunnell is backing Jonathan Edwards to follow in her footsteps by completing a grand slam of titles at the Manchester Commonwealth Games.

Edwards only needs a Commonwealth title to complete his grand slam

Triple jumper Edwards, the Olympic, World and European champion, will complete the full set if he claims the Commonwealth crown.

Gunnell, who achieved the distinction when she won the European 400m hurdles title in Helsinki in 1994, said: “Jonathan has found it difficult to motivate himself in some meetings this season, but that will not be a problem here.”

“With a major title at stake, he will be fully focused. There can be a lot of pressure competing in front of a home crowd, but he will use that to his advantage. He is at his best on the big occasion.”

“I was also at my best when there was something at stake.

“It’s a big thing to have won all four. When I’m introduced to people now, it’s as the only woman to have done it.”

Edwards, now 36, won Commonwealth silver in Auckland in 1990 and at Victoria four years later. He missed the 1998 Games in Kuala Lumpur after an ankle injury.

Gunnell will be conducting track-side interviews for the BBC at the Games.